As a young African American child growing up in schools in the deep south, the only people I saw who looked like me, were pictures of African Americans brought in by African American teachers as extra-curricular activities. . . none were in my textbooks and none were children. My love for music made me cling to Marian Anderson like glue.
Conversely, black people were labeled as slaves, people who owned nothing, did nothing and were nothing. How is that for self-esteem? Fortunately, my parents owned something…the land we planted crops on; the black community owned the church, schools and land they sat on, and my parents instilled in us that no one was better or less than we were, but still…it was debilitating to learn at nine years old that the country I lived in, did not share their viewpoint. In spite of it, I was one of the lucky ones. What about the kids whose parents owned nothing and did not teach them about self-worth and self-esteem?
A BEST SELLING STORY
Take a look at “Dream Big, Little One” by best-selling Author Vashti Harrison. It is one of many books that help youth with self-identification, self-esteem, encouragement and self-direction. The premise is “The world is big and you have many choices available to you…think big, dream large, and plot out a course of action that makes your dreams become reality.” It suggests, as this article, that every child, black or white, matters. Even though the dominant culture re-wrote history to diminish African Americans’ worth and contributions, we come from a lineage that makes us proud to be who we are…and each child can be also.
Below, are books children can read, both black and white, to gain a higher and more correct view of one’s self-worth, accountability and truth. Most can be purchased on amazon.
YOUR READING CORNER
Books for All Children Like Read
“God asked me to tell you that . . . everything will be alright from now on. Today, Jesus Christ visited your home.” Janice Slappy
LEADERSHIP! KNOWLEDGE! COURAGE! GRACE!
These four (4) words, coupled with a sense of humor and devotion, define Janice Slappy. Today, as we blink back the tears, let us remember yesterday, and the number of times we saw a half smile carefully form on her lips . . . linger . . . before she reminded us to “get on with business.” Now, we have to translate that “getting on with business,” into getting on with life. It’s hard! It’s painful, and it doesn’t seem fair . . . but she would say . . .”life goes on.”
For years, Janice Slappy served on multiple boards that promoted community development and action. As President of Educational Arts Society (EAS), she initiated grant-writing, shared accounting procedures and financial information the organization deemed essential. Her leadership focused on implementation of non-profit duties and organizational performance. Because fund-raising is a key ingredient in non-profit survival, President Slappy reached out to surrounding communities to assist EAS in reaching its goals and objectives.
A VIDEO CELEBRATION
Because of her devotion to family, President Slappy was a postcard for the mission of Educational Arts Society, which says, “create a smile with music.” One of the children she sponsored was, six-year-old Jesse. When CEO Parham wondered whether six years may be too young to take saxophone lessons, Ms. Slappy exclaimed, “He can handle it! He’s a smart little boy!”
FAMILY AND FRIENDS LAST FOREVER
Sharing family experiences caused a sparkle in Ms. Slappy’s eyes and a glow to her face. Listening to each experience, each nuance, one felt her love, shared her joy, but understood discipline was a key factor in guidance. Her daughter, Sonya, was her “rock” and a partner . . . it was refreshing to see them together!
THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT YOU HONOR PRESIDENT SLAPPY WITH A DONATION TO EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY INSTEAD OF FLOWERS OR GIFT CARDS
DONATE
Those of you who wish to honor President Slappy by sending flowers, gift cards and other memorial gifts, the Slappy, Ingram and Rayford families have asked that you do so by donating to one of the causes most dear to her heart . . . assisting young aspiring artists in developing a musical skill-set, taking Free music lessons and receiving Free instruments . . . the mission of Educational Arts Society. You may use the safe Paypal account or all major credit and debit cards. To offer your gift of honor, please click on the word “DONATE” anywhere it is listed.
DONATE
CHERISHED MEMORIES
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN . . .
A Woman of Amazing Grace
Checks and money orders made payable to: Educational Arts Society, PO Box 70894, Rochester, MI 48307.
EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY CEO WALTER PARHAM PARTNERS WITH CARR CENTER AND DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Founder and CEO Walter Parham takes off his suit, and “dons” his saxophone (Duane Parham) as he partners with music programs at Carr Center and Ramp-Up with the Detroit Public Schools. Both programs focus on youth development in the areas of art and music.
In spite of a pandemic raging across the state and country, Saxophonist Duane Parham finds a way to blow his horn and help young adults blow theirs. He does this by forming a partnership with Carr Center and the Detroit Public Schools with online classes via Zoom. For many years, the Center has blended art and music to form a perfect union, and for many years, Parham has made music around the world to excite loyal listeners. Each entity contributes to the ever-growing musical appreciation of rhythm, color, form and movement. As Center coordinator, Gina Ellis makes it all “hang together.”
GINA ELLIS
IT TAKES A COMMUNITY . . . .
Educational arts Society recognizes the value in working with others. . . others whose visions add a dimension, depth and quality that completes the circle.” Working with Consultant, DSA Pathways Initiative Richard Sperling, Carr Center President and CEO Oliver Ragsdale, CEO Walter Parham increases EAS’s vision for youth development through the arts, acquiring a professional skill-set that lead to positive life direction, and empowering youth to maximize their potential through the acquisition of basic values.
MUSIC SPEAKS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
CONSULTANT RICHARD SPERLING
Richard Sperling is the Lead Arts Consultant at Detroit Public Schools (DPS) Community District and has a historical record of empowering young people to maximize their potential through professional arts training, theater and musical development. He is the director for the “Ramp-Up” program at DPS and CEO Walter Parham contributes to the musical and core value growth as an online saxophone teacher. It does take a community to guide, develop and encourage continued youth growth in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
PRESIDENT AND CEO OLIVER RADSDALE JR.
As President and CEO of Carr Center, Oliver Ragsdale Jr. has provided arts and programming to the Detroit community for decades. He is a “hands-on” chief executive as well as inclusive, working effectively with the Center’s resident artists. CEO Oliver is not only a leader, but a performer as well–recording many compositions and performing with groups like the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet and Michigan Opera Theatre.
EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY “CREATES A SMILE WITH MUSIC”
EAS seeks to create an atmosphere where students examine who they are, how they got there, and where they choose to go in the future, through self-analysis, determination, courage and inner growth, coupled with a chosen musical skill-set that will provide a pathway to future job opportunities and positive societal values.
YOUR VOTE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
At no time in the history of this country, have we seen such an abuse of power, the trampling of the Constitution, failure to address COVID 19, divisiveness, lack of leadership and total disregard for the rule of law, as we have seen during the last three years. Vote November 3rd or early voting to make a change.
MOTOWN/DETROIT GET OUT & VOTE!
Join Founder & CEO Walter Duane Parham in a virtual musical “extravagana” that encourages you to vote: The Motown/Detroit Get Out & Vote!
Martha Reeves
SPONSORED BY EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY
Educational Arts Society is a 501 c 3 nonprofit, founded by CEO Walter Duane Parham. Our mission is to assist aspiring young musicians in achieving a professional skill-set, as well as a core value skill-set. We seek to “create a smile with music” in the hearts and minds of every child we teach. Help us do that by making a donation. NO DONATION IS TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL!
Make a $5.00 Donation or Use Numbers to Make a Larger Donation
Help us “create a smile with music!” Example: The Number 1 Makes a 5.00 Donation, 5 makes a $25.00 Donation. The Number 10 Makes a $50.00 Donation. Use arrows to move up or down to change amounts.
5.00 $
DONATION GOAL: 1000.00
CURRENT AMOUNT: 200.00
As a musician affected by COVID 19, Saxophonist Duane Parham has requested to become part of the Arts, Beats and Eats festival and is asking for your help in supporting it. Donations will go directly to Arts Beats and Eats. This affair will make contributions to all musicians who have not been able to perform during the COVID 19.
While the 2020 Arts, Beats & Eats festival has been canceled, virtual and small-scale live activations will take its place to spread a little bit of art, music, food and health, including a major effort to support the local music industry. The featured component of the 2020 event reincarnation will be The Beats Go On. . . an event that seeks to raise $500,000 for local musicians, as well as spread the joy of music virtually and through limited capacity drive-in concerts Labor Day Weekend.
As many as 400 bands will be performing virtually from August 27-September 3, 2020 and collecting funds on their individual pages. All funds that are recieved thru the Go Fund Me Donation will be used to support musicians that recieve over 50% of their income from music.
Arts, Beats & Eats Foundation wants to ensure that the beats go on in 2020 and the future!
To make a donation, go to the website of Arts, Beats and Eats by clicking here.
If you wish to also make a donation to Educational Arts Society, click here.
Thank you.
AMERICA IS ONE NATION
We Are One Nation …Held in the Gospel of LOVE
We Must Come Together . . . All Colors and . . . Stand Up for Our Ualues and Ideals
Educational Arts Society EAS), a 501 c 3 nonprofit, is sponsoring a “get out the vote” for the November 3, 2020, Presidential Election. You are invited to participate. Why are we doing this? Here is why:
- American Democracy
- Responsibility and Leadership
- Control COVID-19
- Unity NOT Division
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Safe Schools and Streets
- Freedom and Equality for All
This is not partisan … it is freedom. Our mission is to encourage everyone to register and vote! Let NOTHING keep you from voting! America NEEDS you!
Musicians like The Vandellas, will come together social distancing, mask-wearing and using CDC guidelines at the Roostertail Restaurant and sing “Detroit City is Coming Back” in many genres to rally Michiganders and you (wherever you live) in a ZOOM EVENT on November 3, 2020 to recognize “It’s 45, Next is 46” to get out the vote. Donations are excepted via Educational Arts Society’s safe PayPal account. Funds will be used to give FREE music lessons and FREE instruments to aspiring young artists seeking a professional skill-set in music.
STUDENTS AT EAS
THE ONLINE STUDIO
ANNEX TO THE PARHAM ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
JOIN EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY
We need you to vote Tuesday, November 3, 2020 . . . vote for the betterment of America! We are still striving for that “more perfect union!”
To make a donation . . . click here. Our children need you!
NO DONATION IS TOO LARGE …OR TOO SMALL!
CategoriesArt & Music, Civil Rights, Personal DevelopmentTagsdonate, drum pads, EAMTRADIO, Educational Arts Society, Free instruments, free music lessons, keyboards, online music classes, piano, saxophone
Campaign Set-Up and T-Shirt Design
Payment for design of one t-shirt and one campaign set-up.
$50.00
Motown Music Changed the World…
Step back into time and view the musicians who left a legacy…”the Motown sound.”
The man who did it all…Berry Gordy Jr.
Event Organizer Brian Piccolo
October 13, 2019 was a special celebration for many Michiganders! They turned out in large numbers to memorialize hometown musicians past and present. It was the Detroit 40 Year Milestone Celebration 2019. Smooth Jazz Saxophonist Duane Parham was among the crowd and wowed them with skill, technique and soulful jazz!
Saxophonist Duane Parham
“Fun! Food! and Friendship!” filled the air. State Senator Coleman Young Jr. headed the event honoring his father, the Late Mayor Coleman Young. There were numerous honorees, Rock n’ Roll Vocalist Gino Washington was one of them. This article will only capture a few.
Gino Receives Award from Nen Bailey
The event was held at the Henry Ford Performing Arts Building in Dearborn, Michigan. There were vendors from books to handbags displaying their wares. After the rendition by Duane Parham, several attendees migrated to his table to pick-up his CD. One of the vendors was Antonette McILwain explaining the story behind her book Stuck…But Loving It! 
Attendees were popping up throughout the building getting selfies with honorees and celebrities–celebrities like Joan Belegrave, Duane Parham, Spyder Turner and Loren Harper and simply using their phones to get “memory pictures. ” Fashion garbs range from casual to evening wear. A spectator could easily be entertained just watching men and women sashay across the floor. It was an event that could become an annual affair…
